High School Band Grants Wish Made By Special Supporter

BOCA RATON — Before she entered a hospital earlier this month for a risky operation, Ann Newmann, a Boca Raton High School band booster, made a wish.

She wanted to see the band and color guard -- including her 17-year-old daughter, Leslie -- perform one last time.

Newmann may have thought no one was listening, but Rabbi Merle Singer of Temple Beth El heard.

Singer, band director Pete Fader and Newmann`s husband, Lawrence, secretly began to plan a command performance, even in the wake of fears that surgery might leave Newmann blind or deaf.

Wednesday night, almost a month after a tumor the size of a golf ball was removed from Newmann`s brain, the rain stopped long enough for the band to gather in front of her house and grant her wish.

When she first heard the drums, ``I thought it was thunder,`` Newmann recalled.

In a way, it was. Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club was filled with Sons of Thunder, the high school`s theme song.

At the sight of the band, marching smartly down South Maya Palm Drive, she gasped, then hugged Singer first, Fader second and her husband third, leaning on him for support.

``This is unbelievable,`` she said. ``This is overwhelming.``

It was difficult to tell if Newmann was pale from the surprise or the surgery. Her recovery has been near-miraculous, her husband said.

``We`re almost back to normal,`` he said.

``We`ve been married almost 24 years, and we`ve always tried to create surprises for each other,`` he added, smiling. ``I`m going to have a hard time topping this.``

Before the band stepped onto the street, Singer recalled last month`s fateful conversation with the Newmanns.

``Ann said, `If the band could march down my street, it would be the greatest thrill of my life.` Well, right then and there, I made a private, quiet promise to God and to her: `When you come home, the band will march just for you.` ``

Fader said he welcomed Singer`s request, ``even though it meant giving up a regularly scheduled rehearsal,`` the band director added, laughing.

Not only did the performance ``help build an esprit de corps,`` Fader said, but it also served to show that the band members ``care about the people who care about us.``

Jodi Gold, the band`s 17-year-old field commander, agreed. ``Mrs. Newmann`s been a strong supporter of us, so now it`s time to return the favor. She`s been through a lot.``

``She`s really supported us,`` said Carol Lee, 16, a member of the color guard, ``so we need to pay her back.``

By performing, ``We`re making her feel the joy`` of recovery, said color guard member Tiffany Tindall, 14. ``She wanted to hear the music. That`s why we`re here.``